Dimensional Metrology Group

Realizes and disseminates the SI unit of length from micrometers to kilometers. We develop, perform and deliver measurements, standards and infrastructural technology services that promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness.

The Group provides unique high-accuracy length based calibrations and leads documentary standards efforts that are essential to global trade, spurs innovation in manufacturing, and promotes adoption of innovative measuring technologies. The DMG produces over 15 % of all NIST calibrations, by revenue, performing thousands of measurements for industry, academia, and government institutions each year. Our efforts include supplying critical measurement services to the military and their primary standard laboratory, which helps ensure the reliability of assets used to keep U.S. troops safe. We lead documentary standard efforts that prescribe test methods and performance specifications for advance measuring systems that allow manufacturers to make informed investments in new technologies that improve efficiency, ensure product quality, and enable global trade. The DMG’s documentary standard efforts target measuring instruments used in the large-scale precision manufacturing industry, such as automotive, aerospace, and excavation equipment, which remains one of the largest net-exporters of U.S. produced manufactured goods. Hundreds of millions of dollars in metrology instruments are bought, sold, and warrantied each year using NIST lead documentary standards.